Syrian Rebels Seize Majority of Aleppo Amid Renewed Fighting

In a stunning reversal of events, Syrian rebel forces have taken back most of Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. This is the first time they have returned to the region since being driven out by government forces in 2016. Observers and analysts say the onslaught, spearheaded by the Islamist militant organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and other groups, is one of the biggest setbacks to the Assad regime in recent memory.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), headquartered in the United Kingdom, announced on Saturday that the rebels had taken much of Aleppo with little opposition from government forces, who seemed to leave the area suddenly.

“There was no fighting,” a SOHR spokesperson told the BBC. “The city council, police stations, intelligence offices—they are empty. This has never happened before.”

Armed rebel militants may be seen driving cars through Aleppo’s streets and standing close to important sites, such as the city’s famous medieval citadel, in videos confirmed by independent sources. The video highlights how quickly they advanced, covering only three days.

Civilians have suffered greatly as a result of the offensive. Since combat broke out on Wednesday, more than 300 individuals have died, including at least 27 civilians, according to SOHR. Russian airstrikes near Idlib alone killed four civilians and injured 19 others on Friday.

Residents of Aleppo describe an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. “We’re scared that war will break out, and we’ll be displaced from our homes again,” said Sarmad, a 51-year-old resident, speaking to AFP. Videos verified by the BBC show large groups of civilians fleeing areas near Aleppo University, many carrying what little they could as they sought safety.

The growing violence has drawn serious alarm from the UN.

At least 27 civilians, including children as young as eight years old, have been killed in relentless attacks over the past three days,” said David Carden, the UN’s deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria.

The geopolitical environment is complicated at the time of the rebel advance. Over the years, Assad’s forces have benefited greatly from the assistance of Russia and Iran, two of Syria’s most important allies. However, analysts suggest that recent Israeli strikes on Iranian and Hezbollah assets in the region may have weakened these allies, creating an opportunity for rebel groups to gain ground.

Russia has played a major role in the resumption of hostilities. Russian military targeted what they called “extremist forces” in Aleppo with airstrikes for the first time since 2016. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, reaffirmed Russia’s backing for the Assad regime while highlighting the necessity of “quickly restoring order.”

Additionally, Turkey, which backs some rebel groups, has been crucial in the area, especially in Idlib, the final stronghold of the opposition. Up until now, a tenuous ceasefire mediated by Russia and Turkey in 2020 had mostly held. According to HTS, the offensive was started to “deter aggression” from partner militias and government forces who were allegedly inciting tensions.

Aleppo’s Strategic Significance

The civil war in Syria has traditionally centered on Aleppo. The city, which was once the center of the nation’s economy, was devastated by years of bloody fighting between rebel groups and government forces. The regime celebrated its retake in 2016 as a watershed moment, solidifying its control over a large portion of western Syria.

The ongoing insurgency in the area is highlighted by the rebels’ push toward Aleppo. The city is a sought-after asset for all stakeholders due to its strategic significance on a geographical, economic, and symbolic level.

The humanitarian situation in Aleppo and the neighboring areas is getting worse as the battle rages on. All of the city’s roadways and Aleppo’s airport have been shuttered, thus shutting off essential supply routes. In order to aid displaced civilians, the UN and humanitarian organizations have demanded rapid access.

Starting as a pro-democracy revolt in 2011, the Syrian civil war has subsequently grown into a multifaceted struggle with both domestic and foreign players. Millions more have been displaced, and over half a million people have been killed.

What’s Next?

The Assad government’s capacity to hold onto power in disputed areas is called into question by the rebels’ quick advance, especially as pressure from outside sources mounts on its allies. However, despite their continued fragmentation and dependence on outside assistance, the offensive highlights the resistance organizations’ adaptability and tenacity.

The future of Aleppo, and consequently of Syria, is at stake as the city is once again a battlefield. The human cost of this ongoing struggle keeps rising as regional nations compete for dominance and the world community looks on in alarm. It is unclear if this is a watershed in Syria’s protracted and brutal civil war.

By Ioana Constantin